Haley was nervous about going back to the race, I half understood. A lot of people there tended to jump on the bandwagon and, not to sound conceited, Slip, Hunter, Haley and I were kind of the people there. We knew nearly all the racers by name, Patrick rarely showed his face so for us to be on amiable terms with him, me speaking to him frequently and starting off the races, it kind of boosted the popularity.
The idea of Haley being shunned like we were in high school irked me although I’m sure it will all be forgotten, not like it was anyone else’s business anyway.
Haley had wanted to come early, watch the first three races first but I couldn’t. Pattie had me running errands with her since I had clocked off work this afternoon, we had gone to fifteen different florists during the week, apparently her regular florist was ill and couldn’t cater to this event. Pattie had such high standards it wasn’t any wonder she wasn’t happy with anyone. However, it allowed me more time with her in the car rides around the city. It was uncomfortable and awkward at first but now I think we’ve got the beginnings of a bond coming on and I’m so proud of that. And even though Justin doesn’t show it, I can tell he’s relieved that his mother doesn’t dislike me anymore.
Haley picked me up at our usual time instead and pulled into a space, we got out fluidly and Slip was there instantly.
It was the first time I’d seen him since my dad and I wasn’t looking forward to being constantly reminded of it, treated like a china doll, I was okay, I think. It was difficult, naturally, but I was dealing with it the best that I could and it wouldn’t help if people acted like the subject was taboo. I don’t want it hanging over conversations like an elephant in the room, but I also didn’t want to talk about it.
‘Hey,’ he said easily, a tinge of sympathy and sadness underlying in his voice. ‘Are you okay?’
‘Fine,’ I said curtly and that was that. I scanned the crowds for Hunter, I hadn’t heard anything about him since my dad and who knows what had happened in the last three week.
‘You’re looking for Hunter.’ Slip stated and I nodded.
‘Uh, I think I’m going to talk to Callum.’ Haley saw that we were about to have a conversation that she wasn’t a part of. I threw her a grateful smile, glad that she was going to try and sort things out with him, it was a problem off my back. At least I wouldn’t have her hounding me about Phantom anymore, hopefully that is.
‘I didn’t think it was appropriate to tell you, with your dad and all but…’ Slip trailed off and I licked my lips, dread settling in my stomach.
‘What?’ I prompted, almost impatiently.
‘Well, Phantom hasn’t been around for a while, funny that, the first time in a year he doesn’t show up and it’s around the same time you go home and you’re not here either.’ Slip cocked a brow at me and my scalp prickled, I hadn’t thought of that. Had anyone else noticed the timing? I hoped not.
‘I don’t know who he is,’ I snarled. ‘Why would Phantom come home with me even if I did? I have boyfriend, one that I love very much.’ I tried to make it seem like there was no possible way that Justin and Phantom could be the same person, I just hoped that Slip wouldn’t see through me.
